Climate Justice

Climate change is a human-made crisis of which the biggest impacts are felt by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color primarily in the Southern U.S. and Global South. Banks play a critical role in curbing climate change, as the transition away from fossil fuels will require significant financial resources. The climate crisis must be urgently addressed with bold solutions centering on first and worst and by transitioning to a just, clean economy.

Our voice

Global leader of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, which measures the carbon footprint of bank loans and investment assets
Endorsement of the Collective Commitment to Climate Action, which is a UN sponsored effort to help facilitate the economic transition necessary to achieve climate neutrality
We are one of four U.S. banks to join the Net Zero Banking Alliance
First to endorse and one of three U.S. banks to sign the UN Principles for Responsible Banking
First bank to endorse SBTI
We supported the Build Back Better Act to accelerate America’s transition to a clean-energy and climate-safe future

Our practices

Published our Net Zero Climate Targets, validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), becoming the first U.S. bank to do so
Achieved four years of net zero operations (and counting!)
We measure and disclose full scope GHG emissions, including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
In 2020, purchased carbon offsets to support the Garcia National Forest, a sustainable working forest that saves wildlife habitats, improves water quality, and preserves the traditional economic base of the local community
We utilize 100% clean energy for our offices where available
Awarded the Best Bank in North America for CSR by Euromoney in 2019
B Corp certification ensures that we are meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency
We publish annual financed emissions using the PCAF methodology
Committed to aligning all our business practices with the Paris Climate Accords
Dedicated and active Green Team that is constantly working to make the Bank’s actions more sustainable through policies and procedures across business lines

Our money

Pledged to not lend to fossil fuel companies
32% of loan portfolio goes to climate solutions
We continue to expand our solar project lending portfolio and PACE financing programs, enhancing the climate benefits of our lending practices
Announced a $15 million loan to Inclusive Prosperity Capital, Inc. (IPC) making new capital available to fund climate initiatives benefiting underserved market segments and communities
In 2020, we built on our commitment to curb climate change through funding a combined $893M in new Climate Protection loans and investments—resulting in a 63% increase in this segment year over year
Launched the Fossil Fuel Free investment product for consumer and commercial clients
Through the Amalgamated Foundation, donated $9 million for climate justice and the environment in 2020